The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PLAYER BIOS ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ MARCH 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 39 gan's next great pass rusher. Ranked as the No. 242 overall prospect nationally, he is still raw from a technical stand- point, but there is no doubting his ath- letic ability. He is an impressive speci- men with unlimited upside. "As a freshman, he was 260 pounds," said private trainer Marlon Curtis. "He has the ability to carry that frame. That was baby weight at the time. He's at about 231 now and putting on that muscle. He's making the proper gains. The sky is the limit on what he'll be able to do under a great program that really cares about him as an individual. "I've had a lot of guys as a coach and trainer that have played Division I. Pro-wise, he's built and does things like [Eagles defensive end] Josh Sweat. He has some of those intangibles like a Jevon Kearse [former Pro Bowler with the Tennessee Titans known as 'The Freak']. His length and speed kind of remind you of these guys moving and doing things. "He has a quiet confidence about him that most people recognize when they talk to him. He's not afraid to put it on the line against anyone. He's a competi- tor. That's what a program like Michigan breeds — competitors. He's a perfect fit for that opportunity." Baxter's experience playing quarter- back has allowed him to develop a high football IQ. It also helps that his father is Gwynn Park's defensive line coach. Being the son of a coach means endless hours in the film room and extra work on the field. Combined with his athletic traits, his smarts make him stand out from other top pass-rushing recruits. "He has a motor," said Gwynn Park head coach Danny Hayes. "If the ball is on the other side, he's not sitting there watching. He's going after the play. He knows if he's not in that film, he's not going anywhere. "He's a fast learner and a student of the game. Every year, we've seen him get better and better. He makes sure others playing defensive end are doing the same thing and taking things seriously. Devon takes them under his wings." His father has coached Devon basically his entire life. If anybody knows what Michigan is getting in his son, it's Durell. And yes, expectations should be sky high. "I want to tell the people at Michigan that you are going to get a kid that is going to come in and work hard," Durell said. "He is going to give you 110 per- cent. He's almost allergic to failure. He refuses to fail. The more you tell him he can't, the more he's going to show you he can. Michigan fans, buckle up be- cause you have something coming." ❑ Playing for Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park High, Baxter was named the Prince George's 1A/2A All- County Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND STATISTICS Year Tackles TFL Sacks 2023 55 24 13 2022 48 21 15 2021 23 10 6 Year Rec. Yds. TD 2023 5 144 3 2022 12 181 4 HONORS • PrepStar Top 300 All-American (2023). • Prince George's 1A/2A All-County Defensive Player of the Year (2023). RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan June 19, 2023, a er receiving offer in February 2023. • Picked U-M over notable offers from Mary- land, Penn State and Tennessee. • Recruited by former U-M defensive coordina- tor Jesse Minter. DID YOU KNOW? • Also played quarterback and ght end for Gwynn Park. • Le ered in basketball. • Eats 20 McNuggets a er every game. • Intends to major in kinesiology. • Son of Durell and Michelle Baxter. • Born Feb. 26, 2006. THEY SAID IT On3 director of scou ng and rankings Charles Power: "Devon Baxter is really interes ng be- cause of his size [6-6, 235]. He has a big frame and has the measurables. He's a guy who has developmental upside. U-M has always taken these tall guys with big frames, tacked weight on them and developed them into these impos- ing presences. I think Devon fits that bill." DEVON BAXTER EDGE 6-6 • 235 GWYNN PARK HIGH CLINTON, MD. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 242 28 9 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 270 32 8 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 182 16 7 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 52 18 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 41 19 INDUSTRY